Poor nutritional intake is not uncommon in seniors. It can be caused by preexisting medical conditions, adverse reactions from medications, depression, and changes in taste and smell. If you are not consuming enough calories or if your diet is not rich in vitamins and minerals, then you may become nutritionally deficient. Consider the following benefits a home care services provider can offer you if you are nutritionally deficient.  

Nutrient-Dense Meal Preparation 

Your home care services provider can prepare nutrient-dense meals to help build up your strength, support your immune function, give you energy, and reverse deficiencies. Foods high in vitamin C may help prevent infections, while seafood dishes can provide you with omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3s may help promote heart health, lower your blood pressure, regulate your blood sugar levels, lower your cholesterol, and ease depression and anxiety. In addition, the home caregiver can also prepare high-caloric nutritious meals to help increase your weight if you have lost weight as a result of illness.

If consuming nutritious meals fails to improve your health, the home care professional can call your primary care physician who may recommend a physical examination or may simply suggest that you take a vitamin and mineral supplement. 

Exercise And Activity Assistance

If you have a nutritional deficiency, you may feel weak, short of breath, dizzy, and tired. Because of this, you may be unable to exercise, which may further worsen your symptoms. The caregiver can recommend easy exercises for you to do that will help build up your strength and stamina, enhance your circulation, and promote more flexibility.

If you do not enjoy exercise or if you are unable to exercise as a result of painful joints or weakness, the home care services provider can take you on short walks. Being outdoors in the fresh air and nature can be very healing, not only for your physical health but for your emotional health as well.

If you have a dog, the caregiver can also invite your dog along to join you on your walks. Seniors with nutritional deficiencies may be unable to walk their dogs, and because of this, the dog may not get enough exercise and become overweight and lethargic.

If you are unable to prepare nutritious meals for yourself or have lost a substantial amount of weight, contact a home healthcare services agency. After gathering the necessary information, you can determine which homecare services are right for your situation.